The Kingdom of the Cults has been the authoritative reference work on major cult systems for more than 40 years. In an era of rapid cult growth worldwide, Christians today need the information in this book more than ever. It will equip readers from every walk of life to use biblical truth to counter the efforts of cults to masquerade as mainstream Christianity.

Working closely together, Ravi Zacharias and managing editors Jill and Kevin Rische have updated and augmented the work with new material. This book will continue as a crucial tool in countercult ministry and in evangelism for years to come. Among cults and religions included are Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormonism, New Age cults, the Unification Church, Baha i Faith, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam.

Readable and reliable, this book sets the standard for reference books on cults.

Walter Martin (1928-1989) held four degrees, having received his doctorate from California Coast University in the field of comparative religions. Author of a dozen books and numerous booklets and articles, he founded the Christian Research Institute in 1960.

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Listener Reviews

Review by Josh Crews | 2/16/2014

" This is THE well-researched debunking of the Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons (and lots of less prominent cults). Reading the man-centered, un-regenerate history of their origins, history, and doctrines closes the case that these are not well-intentioned but ignorant spin-offs of orthodox Christianity but evil creations that deadly twists of the gospel. I recommend finding the book in someone else's house or the bookstore and reading the Jehovah's Witness and Mormon sections. "

Review by Joshua | 2/10/2014

" This is an excellent book that gives an introductory look into the world of the cults. Dr. Walter Martin spent a life time studying and "working in the filth" so that he could equip Christians in how to preserve their faith in the face of Falsehood and to possibly bring those people to Christ. It is a very good book and I highly recommend it. "

" Didn't read every chapter, but overall I greatly enjoyed this book and felt that it gave very nice overviews of each belief system. The chapters on the psychological processes and ways to evangelize were particularly interesting and helpful in my understanding of the topics. "

Review by Nicole Mardian | 1/21/2014

" I met Dr. Walter Martin before he left this earth and he is one of the best and most knowledgeable researchers on cults--he gives all the facts (which are very interesting) and lets YOU see for yourself who those nice, pleasant (misguided) folks are that come knocking on your door. "

Review by Neil | 1/19/2014

" I got this book for research purposes, and it's the kind of book that would never get written now as it would result in a million libel cases. WRM basically tells you what numerous popular cults believe, how they act, and what the "true" origins of each organisation are, all from his viewpoint as a Christian scholar. A very fascinating read. "

Review by Anita | 1/17/2014

" A basic overview of some of the historic cults in Western Society. I have only read this oldest version, but it is still pretty good information for learning the basics. "

Review by Dad | 1/16/2014

" Walter's clear explanation of various cult religions exposed in the light of Jesus Christ. "

Review by Kyle | 1/16/2014

" Good intro. Wouldn't stop there though, if you're interested in really pursuing cult studies. Intended to be a brief and incomplete treatment only. "

Review by Randall Woodman | 12/29/2013

" This was a really interesting book. The author takes a look at various cults and breaks them down and compares them to what the bible says. "

Review by Dan | 12/28/2013

" Excellent resource for understanding any cult it's history and belief system "

Review by Bonie | 12/17/2013

" Excellent...and really miss hearing Walter Martin as "The Bible Answer Man!" but do love Hank very much!! Also, I met Walter Martin in SLC @ a conference in 1988. What a privledge! "

Review by Joseph | 12/6/2013

" Exposes the cults and the false teachers. Excellent! "

Review by Joshua | 11/19/2013

" This is a must have for reference. Each chapter is in depth and very informative. The appendix's are also a must read. "

Review by Leah Griffin | 10/22/2013

" The author loads the reader with so much information on various religions; it can at times be daunting. I use it more as a reference tool for when I come across a religion I do not know much about. "

Review by Arron | 9/27/2013

" Well written and helpful. I only read the intro sections and the chapters on Mormonism and Seventh Day. "

Review by James Eldridge | 9/17/2013

" An incredible source of explanation and definition not just for other faiths but also for my own, this book is a companion of grace when loving others of a different religion. "

Review by Bridgette | 8/14/2013

" A albeit brief description on each cult...it is an excellent resource. "

Review by Kasey | 7/18/2013

" If you've ever wanted to know how all those crazy cults got started and what they believe there is no other book search for. "

Review by Terry Morgan | 7/13/2013

" Excellent book on the various major religious cults. It does a great job of offering apologetics, and history behind many of the world religions. "

Review by Ben B | 5/26/2013

" This thorough and well-documented encyclopedia provides easy access to sound Biblical criticism of some of the errors into which religious people are likely to stumble. "

Review by Terri | 5/14/2013

" I read this from library. One day I will have own book. it great resource about this . "

Review by Cat *living for the One who breaths life into me* | 5/10/2013

" Very informative. I really enjoyed this book. It gave me light on how others believe things. Any one who wants to study religion should check this one out. "

Review by Brian | 4/6/2013

" It's more of a reference book and I've only studied, Islam, Mormonism, Scientology, JWs, and a few others. The material doesn't read as objective as I'd like but it definitely goes into great detail on things such as origin, founder/s, practices, core beliefs. "

Review by Brent | 3/18/2013

" Read this back in my anti-cult days when I thought I would like to have a website dedicated to refuting the heretical views of aberrant groups. I thought the book did a good job of clearly giving the history of a group and their theological diviations from historic Christianity. "

Review by Josh | 2/16/2013

" Excellent resource. Gives an in depth coverage of many different cults, but is not so exhaustive that one becomes overwhelmed. "

Other Titles by Walter Martin:

About the Author

Walter Martin (1928–1989) held four degrees, having received his doctorate from California Coast University in the field of comparative religions. Author of a dozen books and numerous booklets and articles, he founded the Christian Research Institute in 1960.

About the Narrator

Maurice England moved to the Chicago area in the fall of 2006, after a twelve year run
as a long-haul trucker, to continue the cultivation of his lifelong interest in
the expressive arts and oral interpretation. A veteran audiophile, Maurice
listened to well over one thousand audiobooks while on the road and fell in love with
the genre. From his past experience in broadcasting, community theater, music
performance, and ministry he saw narrating as a means to merge his love for
books, ideas, learning, and spiritual evolution with his interest in artistic
expression. While his narration experience has primarily been nonfiction,
personal development, and spiritual-growth titles, Maurice anticipates using
his authentically warm and folksy southern style to entertain and inspire
through storytelling. Inspired most by the behind-the-scenes artists who
engineer, direct, edit, and master the audiobook productions we hear, Maurice
has become an absorbed student and participant in the process.